Hearty Mediterranean Stuffed Squid Recipe: A Flavorful Seafood Delight

Diving into the world of seafood, this Mediterranean stuffed squid recipe brings a burst of coastal flavors to your dinner table.

Tender squid tubes become vessels for a rich, aromatic filling that speaks of sun-drenched shores.

Fresh herbs and spices mingle with savory ingredients, creating a dish that transports you straight to the Mediterranean coastline.

The delicate texture of perfectly cooked squid paired with the robust filling promises a culinary adventure.

Each bite tells a story of traditional Mediterranean cooking techniques and vibrant ingredients.

Seafood lovers and adventurous home cooks will find this recipe both challenging and immensely satisfying.

Get ready to impress with a stunning dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Total Time: 100 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Mediterranean Stuffed Squid

• Squid: Choose fresh, cleaned squid with a firm texture and mild ocean scent for the best flavor and tender result.
• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin olive oil for rich, authentic Mediterranean taste and smooth cooking experience.
• Toothpicks: Essential for securing the stuffed squid and preventing filling from escaping during cooking.

• Red Onion, Green Onion: Provide aromatic base and sweet undertones to enhance the stuffing's depth.
• Green Pepper, Zucchini, Carrot, Celery: Add vibrant color, crisp texture, and nutritional complexity to the filling.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent flavor that is quintessential in Mediterranean cuisine.
• Tomato: Contributes fresh, bright acidity and moisture to bind the stuffing ingredients.
• Rice: Creates hearty, satisfying texture and absorbs the surrounding vegetable flavors.

• Red Onion: Builds foundational flavor profile for the sauce.
• Tomato Passata: Delivers smooth, concentrated tomato essence for rich sauce base.
• Sweet Red Pepper: Adds subtle sweetness and mild warmth to the sauce.
• Bay Leaf: Introduces delicate herbal note and depth to the overall dish.

Tools for Cooking Mediterranean Squid

• Large pot: Essential for simmering the stuffed squid in sauce.
• Non-stick frying pan: Perfect for preparing the flavorful stuffing mixture.
• Chopping board: Needed for finely chopping squid legs, vegetables, and onions.
• Sharp knife: Critical for precise cutting and preparing ingredients.
• Spoon: Ideal for carefully stuffing the squid bodies.
• Strainer: Used to rinse and drain squid bodies.
• Toothpicks: Helpful for securing the top of stuffed squid.
• Measuring cup: Assists in accurately adding water to the stuffing and sauce.

Steps to Cook Stuffed Squid Easily

• Squid Preparation

Carefully separate the body from the head, keeping the legs and body clean. Rinse thoroughly and remove any internal components.

• Flavor Base

Sauté chopped squid legs with aromatic vegetables in olive oil. Create a rich mixture by adding zucchini, carrots, and rice, allowing ingredients to soften and blend together.

• Filling Process

Gently spoon the vegetable and rice mixture into the squid body, leaving a small space at the top. Secure the opening with toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping.

• Sauce Creation

In a cooking pot, develop a savory sauce by simmering red onions and stuffed squid. Add tomato passata, red pepper, and bay leaf to create a deep, complex flavor profile.

• Cooking and Resting

Simmer the stuffed squid in the sauce for approximately one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Let the dish rest for 20 minutes before serving to enhance taste and texture.

Tips & Fillings for Squid Success

• Squid Selection Secrets: Choose fresh, medium-sized squid with smooth, unblemished skin for the best texture and flavor in your Mediterranean dish.
• Herb Harmony Hack: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or dill to add vibrant, aromatic notes to the stuffing mixture, elevating the overall taste profile.
• Rice Rescue Tip: For extra fluffy rice, rinse it thoroughly before cooking and use short-grain varieties that absorb flavors more effectively and maintain a creamy consistency.
• Sauce Simplification Strategy: If you're short on time, substitute homemade passata with canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, maintaining the rich, deep Mediterranean flavor base.
• Wine-Braising Bonus: For an elegant twist, replace some water with dry white wine during the simmering process to introduce complex, depth-enhancing flavors to the sauce and squid.

Plating Mediterranean Stuffed Squid

• Coastal Dinner Party Delight: Serve these Mediterranean stuffed squid on a large ceramic platter surrounded by fresh lemon wedges and sprinkled with chopped parsley, creating a stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this rich seafood dish with a crisp white wine like Vermentino or Albariño, which will complement the delicate squid and enhance the Mediterranean flavors with its bright, acidic notes.
• Accompaniment Harmony: Present the stuffed squid alongside a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and a crusty rustic bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce, providing a complete and satisfying Mediterranean-style meal that celebrates fresh ingredients.
• Gourmet Leftover Transformation: Slice the cooled stuffed squid and toss into a cold salad the next day, adding extra herbs like basil or oregano to refresh the flavors and create a delightful lunch option that showcases the versatility of this elegant dish.

Saving Extra Stuffed Squid for Later

• Smart Storage Solutions: Refrigerate cooked stuffed squid in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring the sauce covers the squid to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, storing for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the stuffed squid filling and sauce a day ahead, keeping components separately in sealed containers. This strategy cuts down cooking time and enhances flavor development.
• Leftover Transformation: Slice cold stuffed squid and toss into salads, use as a protein-rich sandwich filling, or mix into pasta dishes for quick, delicious meal reinventions.

Succulent Mediterranean Stuffed Squid

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 100 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Mediterranean stuffed squid showcases delicate seafood filled with aromatic herbs, breadcrumbs, and feta cheese. Hearty Mediterranean flavors dance across palates, inviting diners to savor each tender, perfectly seasoned bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 21.16 oz (600 g) squid
• 0.33 cup (75 g) round short-grain white rice
• 1 cup (250 g) tomato passata
• 80 g (1 medium) red onion, minced
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• ½ small (20 g) green onion, finely chopped
• ½ small (30 g) long sweet green pepper, finely chopped
• ½ large (120 g) tomato, finely diced
• ½ small (50 g) zucchini, grated not too fine
• ½ small (60 g) carrot, grated not too fine
• ½ small (30 g) stick of celery, finely chopped
• 1 tsp sweet red pepper
• 1 dried bay leaf
• olive oil
• toothpicks

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously dissect the squid, separating body from head. Trim and finely chop legs for filling, clean body by removing internal membranes and outer skin, then rinse and drain.
2. Filling Creation: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature. Sauté chopped squid legs, then add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Incorporate zucchini, carrots, celery, and rice, creating a robust base. Pour tomato sauce and water, season with salt and pepper, and simmer until rice becomes tender and liquid absorbs.
3. Stuffing Process: Cool filling slightly, then delicately spoon into squid bodies, leaving a small margin. Secure openings with toothpicks to prevent bursting during cooking.
4. Sauce Development: In a separate pot, sauté red onions until translucent. Gently place stuffed squid into the pot, carefully turning to ensure even cooking. Add passata, water, sweet red pepper, and bay leaf to create a rich sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Final Cooking: Cover and simmer on medium heat for 50-60 minutes until sauce thickens and squid becomes tender. Remove from heat and let rest for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify before serving.

Notes

• Squid Preparation Tip: Clean thoroughly by removing internal membranes and outer skin to ensure a delicate, tender texture without unwanted chewy parts.
• Filling Strategy: Avoid overstuffing squid bodies to prevent bursting during cooking; leave a small margin at the top for expansion.
• Flavor Layering: Sauté vegetables and squid legs before adding rice to develop deep, rich flavor profiles and enhance overall taste complexity.
• Resting Importance: Allow the dish to rest for 20 minutes after cooking to enable flavors to meld and create a more harmonious, intense taste experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg